About ECU

Dr Aisling Smyth

Dr Aisling Smyth  primarily lectures in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related units, in both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing units. She is Course Coordinator for Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Leadership & Management (J50) and Higher Degrees by Research Course Coordinator for the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Aisling undertook a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) in Ireland and was working as a registered nurse in an oncology ward. However, she had an itch to go back to university and undertake some research training. Aisling always loved science and undertook her Masters research project looking at the role of macrophages in wound healing. Following this, she began her PhD, which was a lab-based basic science project looking at the role of nuclear receptors in chronic inflammation. Aisling's research background allows her to investigate clinical/nursing-related questions with the use of biological quantitative data.

Aisling began working at ECU at the end of 2014 and officially got her PhD conferred in 2015. Aisling was aware of the importance of establishing a strong track record in the early career researcher stage and had great plans, which took a bit of a side-track when she found out she was pregnant. Aisling's daughter Eloise was born in Feb 2016 and Aisling returned to work in 2017. Subsequently, she was awarded the ECU Early-Career Researcher (ECR) Grant for a project investigating the role of sleep in glucose regulation in dementia caregivers. Again, it seemed like she was back on track and another detour came her way, she was pregnant again and had her son Tom in April 2018.

"I was obviously overjoyed to have my two beautiful (slightly naughty) children, however, I was also apprehensive about another stall in my research trajectory."

In 2018, Aisling was the winner of the Edith Cowan Athena SWAN Kick-Start Science Award and this provided her with support when she returned to work. Aisling's ECU ECR project was in full swing and there was plenty of work to be done. The Athena SWAN funds allowed her to employ a research assistant to facilitate data collection and analysis. It also allowed her to employ another research assistant to facilitate a systematic review and both of these measures expedited her progress over the year.

Hear more from Aisling on her career journey and as a researcher in the science discipline:

1. You won the ECU Athena SWAN Advancement Scheme (Kick-Start Science Prize), how have you used these funds to support your research? How has this helped your career?

The research assistant support with data collection and analysis had turbocharged the research and I am currently finalising data analysis for publication. Also, assistance with the systematic review process has been invaluable. Systematic reviews can be particularly time-consuming so having an extra pair of hands has been fantastic. This systematic review will be undertaken with a new collaborator from Cornell-Weill medical centre so that has greatly facilitated the expansion of my professional network. I have also purchased some cutting-edge sleep monitoring rings which I am validating in collaboration with a colleague from the UWA Centre for Sleep Science. In short, it has expedited completion of my project, it has facilitated new projects and it has allowed the formation of important collaborative relationships.

2. As an early career researcher, what or who inspires you to pursue a research career in the area of science/nursing?

I am really passionate about investigating the impact of sleep on human health and disease. One of my inspirations in this field is Professor Matthew Walker from Berkley, California. He has been a master at Public Relations, with a very visible media presence disseminating research findings to the community at large- which is the main goal for all researchers in my opinion.

3. What challenges you about the Science/Nursing discipline?

I love my job! However, I do think there are some challenges which are unique to working in a discipline with such large cohorts of students, often 500+ each semester. My challenges are more about obtaining a balance. Progressing professionally while being present for my family and remembering what is important.

4. You previously lived and studied in Ireland, how have you found the transition to living in Perth and working at ECU?

Perth has been my home for seven years now and I can't imagine living anywhere else now. It’s a fabulous part of the world and a wonderful place to raise a family. I love to go home and see my family and I miss everyone but if I had the option I would move them all here rather than go back to Ireland (need to keep doing the lotto!). ECU has been a really supportive environment for me. I have great colleagues and I hope to stay here and continue to grow and progress.